Login

Oldest F1 Drivers to Participate in Races

Motorsports is considered to be the domain of young drivers. However, these eight old drivers prove that age has nothing to do with Formula racing!
Calendar-icon

By car&bike Team

clock-icon

1 mins read

Calendar-icon

Published on March 9, 2022

Follow us on

google-news-iconWhatsapp-icon
Story

Highlights

    Motorsports is usually considered a domain for the young because of the stamina and endurance required to sustain it race after race. However, some names have made their mark in Formula racing despite making an entrance fairly late in their lives.  

    Their stories prove that nothing is impossible if you have passion and determination. This article will introduce you to the eight most aged F1 drivers that broke the age barriers!

    Clemente Biondetti

    Do you know that Biondetti was 52 years old when he first raced in the Italian Grand Prix? Even though his career in Grand Prix wasn't so fruitful, he gained immense respect for his tenacity. He held a resume with zero career points and wins.

    fppcvbeg

    Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

    Bill Aston

    This 52-year-old racer participated in the German Grand Prix in 1952. What's more, Aston had three entries to the F1 championship. Initially, Bill Aston was a trained engineer and worked as a test pilot before trying Formula racing.

    qv48noi8

    Photo Credit: www.f1forgottendrivers.com

    Hans Stuck

    Hans Stuck represented teams Ferrari, BRM, and AFM in the 1953 Italian Grand Prix, when he was 52 years old. Like the earlier entries on this list, Stuck also couldn't enter any wins in his resume.

    bu29h4po

    Photo Credit: www.formula1points.com

    Adolf Brudes

    At the age of 52 years, Brudes initiated his career in racing by participating in German Grand Prix. His ownership of the Auto Union car and BMW helped him kickstart his racing career. The love of speed and racing came for Brudes through motorcycles.

    l32qlago

    Photo Credit: www.formula1points.com

    Luigi Fagioli

    Fagioli was 53 when he raced for team Alfa Romeo in the French Grand Prix in 1951. He is one of the only few older racers to win Formula racing. Fagioli holds one win, seven entries, and six appearances on the podium throughout his career.

    43skkr5g

    Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

    Arthur Legat

    Arthur Legat began his Formula racing career when he was 54 years old. His first race was at the 1953 Belgian Grand Prix. Legat also secured victory in Grand Prix des Frontieres at Chimay.

    j9ujr71

    Photo Credit: www.f1forgottendrivers.com

    Philipe Etancelin

    Etancelin holds 12 appearances throughout his career as a Formula racer. The 55-year-old racer also secured three points! He also secured the 8th position in the French Grand Prix, which is no easy feat!

    Louis Chiron

    Chiron is the oldest driver to have entered a formula one race. At age 58, Chiron participated in the practice round of the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, but failed to qualify. That was the final race in a chequered racing career that began after World War 1 in 1926. Considered one of the greatest drivers between the World Wars, Louis Chiron won over 14 Grand Prix and also one Spa 24 hours. He also participated in Le Mans and rallies. His last complete race was at the age of 55, when he crossed the checkered flag on a Lancia D50 at an impressive 5th position in the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix. The Bugatti Chiron is named after him.

    1baqmc7g

    Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

    These drivers indeed didn't let their age come in the way of their passion and dreams. If these drivers decided to retire, the world of F1 would've been devoid of their contributions!

    Stay updated with automotive news and reviews right at your fingertips through carandbike.com's WhatsApp Channel.

    Explore More